It's my last day. I have been walking since March 9th–today I have my last morning escapade. It's a perfect morning to re-visit my favorite "walker" spots and people. The weather is a gift today with sunrise at 5:58 a.m. and I am in the square to greet it. It is more spledid than ever!  I visit Sook to pick out my almond croissant, and buy some for my banking friends.  Of all my finds Sook has been the best.  Open for me at dawn, I find the best breakfast fare I can ask for.  It reminds me of Paris–the coffee and croissants are divine.  I stop at the North Jersey Community Bank–my bank, to …

So much action in the morning! Celebrations of election victory, flowers making their grand stand before the rains, and defying May to do better. You may have noticed those Wibit signs here and there. Yes, although Presereve Graydon told the public it wasn't a fan at a recent council meeting, the signs can be seen posted throughout the village. We'll see what the summer holds; Graydon opens June 4.

It's 66 degrees at 6 a.m. I still grab a jacket, although I do not need one. Shorts today–spring is here! The petals are already falling from the magnolias, making footpaths a delight to walk. You'll want to head out and cast your vote on the school election and BOE candidates if you haven't already. And when we stopped by, it didn't appear many had by Somerville. Workers reported they expected turnout to increase when schools got out and the evening wore on.

Oh, Monday! there are many good things about you. No hats today! After the rain it smells wonderful! Blossoms are strewn on sidewalks, and new flowers are popping out everyhwere. We check out some downtown shops and some secret gardens around the block. Take a look!

All is not as it seems. I step out to 38 degrees, and step back in to get a warmer coat.  Always check the iPhone before walking! I am alone–afterall, there's no school today.  The town is still very still at 8 a.m. with robins on bikes, eggs crowing on trees (really!), Good Friday services, continued work on the high school fields, and fishing in the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. This gallery's got it all, so take a look!

I leave two hours later than usual, and everything is different. I have company this morning – the HS walkers, and it's almost a sidewalk jam! On the high school fields, repair work is underway.  They have cool machines, and align the turf precisely (hopefully, at least). Meanwhile, more flowers erupt in abudance. An invitation to enter for quiet meditation is irresistable and peaceful. Rabbits abound as Easter approaches. Check out the gallery!

Hippity-hop! My first morning friend is a rabbit hopping on the lawn. His cute white tail bounces like ball in the dusky light. Spring is really here, the birds announce it–Easter is Sunday and of course, it's also Passover this week.  I'll be hunting for more rabbits and eggs this week. As I go down East Ridgewood Avenue it's like Branchbrook Park–trees lining both sides of the road, in full bloom, for my enjoyment. Flower petals are falling in the square, creating a fragrant path for me.

It is the calm after the storm. Ridgewood wakes to 42 degrees and daylight is visible as I walk to the high school with my daughter at 5:50 a.m. That's right, it's back to school today! In the aftermath of the weekend there is work to be done.  Mother nature's power swept over fields and bridges, yet left delicate blossoms clinging to branches, and beautiful flowers standing tall. Take a look at the gallery for a better view of the carnage left and the beauty around it.

Friday–my favorite day of the week. I get an early start, already walking as my (just in case) 5:45 a.m. alarm goes off in my pocket. I washed my winter coat yesterday–I will not go back to it. My way is illuminated by a lighter sky. I confirm by iPhone compass that I am walking in a southwesterly diretion towards town. Behind me, light unfolds. And ahead? Well, we see tax gurus sweating under the lights, filing until they can file no more. We see Village Hall brighten under the checkered blue and black morning sky. The brilliant trees blossom as National Library Week comes to a close and …

Although it's raining again on Wednesday, it's only a light rain, and the birds and I are not bothered. The Village is quieter than usual–with no school it's still asleep. Still, there's work to be done. Joggers were out, as were dog-friendly Ridgewood Veterinary staff, village sanitation workers. Quiznos–now closed and possibly the new site of a frozen yogurt shop–is barren but work is beginning for a new business on Oak Street. Finally, the Ridgewood bear is dressed for the weather as he waves to the quiet traffic on Franklin Avenue. See the gallery for more!

Happy Tuesday! The scent of blossoms fills the air. Buds burst in abundance yesterday, and their fragrance is held by the morning dampness. All is quiet. No school. Kids that are home are resting from the rigors of academia. I am hit with only a few droplets just as the 6:25 train pulls out of the station. It's an April showers morning.

Sometimes the morning is not your own. My daughter, on Friday, was going to Washington with the fabulous RHS choir. I had to figure out how to do my walk and get back to see her off. This is how to get in shape–walk fast! While walking about, I saw quite a few interesting sights to wrap up the week. Make sure to take a look before you enjoy the great weekend!

Opening the door I heard the gentle rain along with bright chirping. It's a lovley morning symphony and a reminder that April showers are here. I don't mind it at all.

Ah, fickle spring! Yesterday you graced us with warmth; today you bring us back a freezing start. When will you be here to stay? Check out the gallery on what the morning holds. [Editor's Note: The cold start has transitioned to a warm, comfortable day.]

The iPhone does not lie. I check the weather before leaving the house, and it's an amazing 60 degrees this morning. As I step out the door already there is a break in the sky. Every morning it pushes up by a few minutes. An early bus-waiting person exclaims "birds and light today!" We chuckle together at this great beginning. It is the first day in a long, long time that we are not wearing a hat. And although the storms and rain will likely come later, it's a moment worth appreciating.